Well, here is my official build thread. I'm actually going to make this happen. I will lay out the basics of my dream car.
1) Change colour of car to either a dark metallic green, or a dark candy apple green.
2) 3rd Gen Hemi with some sort of forced induction.
3) Possibly mini tubs. (Undecided on what to do with rear suspension)
4) Full QA1 front suspension
5) Updated front seats.
6) Some sort of 5 or 6 speed standard transmission.
7) Autometer gauge cluster
8) Paint front and rear bumpers and mirrors body color. No chrome. :lookatthat:
9) Updated wheels and tires and brakes.
10) I'm thinking vintage air conditioning.
The reason for the 2024 deadline is that's the year I turn 50. I'm currently saving money every month for the car. I've had the car since I was 18 and have not driven it since 1993. Well that's a little lie, I did get the car running this summer after sitting for 25 years and did a burnout. LOL.
So I think 1st on my list of things to do is to start completely tearing down the car and getting a rotisserie to get after the underside of the car with any necessary panel replacements, sandblasting, priming, frame connectors etc.
Does that even sound like a good place to start? I've never built a car before!
https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion/2/breaking-a-car-down-for-media-blasting-tips-for-a-rookie/517/
Hope that helps.
I'm not sure if a rotisserie is completely necessary unless you have access to one or can find one for cheap.
I would just reiterate.... take LOTs of pictures as I took a lot and I still wish I would have taken more at times. Take a picture from a distance and get closer if that makes sense and then organize the pictures in a logical manner.
Restoring parts is fun. Good luck.
I like your style! Yes, you can do it!!!!
Sounds like you're destroying a really rare and very cool car to build your dream car which will also be cool :banana: Good luck with your project, be sure to bring us along for the ride. :takepicture:
Even when I bought the car when I was a kid, I was always under the impression that the only rare and valuable Cudas were the 1970 & 1971 cars.
How rare is this car?
What's it worth in it's current condition. (Canadian)
Because I'm not 100% attached to the car and would consider selling the car if it really is that rare and valuable and picking up another project to build the car as described above.
Your plan goes out 7 years. Sometimes I wonder how long repro parts will be available until the manufacturers decide that the market has gotten too small and they quit making parts. Dave at Roseville is a great guy and you may want to get to know him if you don't already. He'll be able to advise you on parts availability moving forward. We've already seen coloured interior panels get discontinued. It would be a bummer if you needed something in 5 years and could no longer get it. Just my :alan2cents:
If it is a numbers matching car, then I would reconsider restoring it back to the fender tag/buildsheet because a black 340 4 spd Cuda is pretty cool no matter what year. The '70-71's are just more in demand than the '72-74, not necessarily more rare.
Your car is very similar to
@CudaKat (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudakat_79)'s -'73 340 4 spd non-numbers matching and even had all the rust. We are doing a full restoration and dropping in a Gen III 6.1.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on December 20, 2017, 05:01:08 AM
Even when I bought the car when I was a kid, I was always under the impression that the only rare and valuable Cudas were the 1970 & 1971 cars.
How rare is this car?
What's it worth in it's current condition. (Canadian)
Because I'm not 100% attached to the car and would consider selling the car if it really is that rare and valuable and picking up another project to build the car as described above.
Don't get me wrong, rare doesn't always equal desirability or sale-ability. You're correct that the most desirable Cuda's are those expensive 1970-71's, but that doesn't mean there aren't any rare 72-74's.
From 1970 to 1974 TX9 Black paint is one of the rarest colours. Having black exterior with a coloured interior other then black or white is very rare. Black and blue has to be the best. Then having a rare colour combo with the best drive line available that year, 340 4spd and you basically have the cream of the crop. Add documentation and matching numbers and this car is screaming for a complete stock ground up restoration, Unfortunately not many 72-74's end up going that direction.
If you go out to your garage and look at your car, envision what would be left of the original car once you're done creating your dream....you might be better off just looking for a rustfree shell to build, but they are not easy to find these days either....
As a project, I think you could get around $10K-$15K CDN for your car as it sits today.
Quote from: anlauto on December 20, 2017, 05:42:21 AM
As a project, I think you could get around $10K-$15K CDN for your car as it sits today.
Which wouldn't buy you a replacement with any advantages, While I agree with Alan it's a shame to modify this car I also know it's probably your best course of action....
FWIW I suggest you look at Hotchkis suspension rather than QA1 ... Honestly I suggest you look at an awful lot of what Mike Goodman (GoodysGotaCuda) has done... His car is very well executed...
On the "other" forum there is a guy by the name of Lotsapins that has just about everything done to his car that I Dream of for mine. Goody also has a sweet ride that I would definitely get a few ideas from too. I will look into Hotchkiss for sure.
Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on December 20, 2017, 08:39:42 AM
Quote from: anlauto on December 20, 2017, 05:42:21 AM
As a project, I think you could get around $10K-$15K CDN for your car as it sits today.
Which wouldn't buy you a replacement with any advantages, While I agree with Alan it's a shame to modify this car I also know it's probably your best course of action....
I agree with Mr. Wild.
Quote from: anlauto on December 20, 2017, 09:57:49 AM
Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on December 20, 2017, 08:39:42 AM
Quote from: anlauto on December 20, 2017, 05:42:21 AM
As a project, I think you could get around $10K-$15K CDN for your car as it sits today.
Which wouldn't buy you a replacement with any advantages, While I agree with Alan it's a shame to modify this car I also know it's probably your best course of action....
I agree with Mr. Wild.
It's a tough deal, not many 72-74's left that are original, rare combo, perfect candidate to go OE but OE isn't as fun as build to your desires.... I really appreciate Burdar's 73, just not many restored ones around...
I really appreciate the quality of Darren's resto on his 73 Challenger, like we said, not too many around like that.... :worship:
Too bad someone local with a similar or better condition 73 Cuda couldn't swap Mr. Donkey for his car.....just seems a shame that everything cool about his car is being tossed aside for yet another resto mod :burnout:
There is nothing to lose by advertising a potential trade for 318 car either in better shape or with cash to you. I would only consider this with a B.C. or Alberta car because of the trouble of registering an out of country car (especially going two ways). You will most likely find that although everyone thinks a black, 340, 4 speed car is really cool they probably will not think it is cool enough to make it worth your while to sell or trade it.
Once you have a plan for what suspension you are going to run I too would order all the sheetmetal you need now in case the repro sheetmetal isn't available in the future.
With your shop and if you have time I would then sandblast the car and do all the metal replacement yourself.
That's enough to get you started anyway.
I also think your car is extra cool in stock form but in the end you need to do what you want and you've kept it this long so I figure you love it more than anyone else will.
If that's your dream car, go for it. Life is short, enjoy it. Bag and tag everything you take off and don't throw anything out until you drive it away. Taking it all apart and blasting it will show you whats hiding under the paint. Wasn't much left to my car when I did that but you really need to know. PS if you want to sell that air cleaner let me know. Good luck
Quote from: Rich G. on December 20, 2017, 07:18:03 PM
If that's your dream car, go for it. Life is short, enjoy it. Bag and tag everything you take off and don't throw anything out until you drive it away. Taking it all apart and blasting it will show you whats hiding under the paint. Wasn't much left to my car when I did that but you really need to know. PS if you want to sell that air cleaner let me know. Good luck
You somehow pay shipping and you can have the air cleaner. Merry Christmas.
Swamp Donkeys giving OEM parts away. No turning back to stock now. Having a car for 25 years, I'm sure you will make it something special, you've had time to dream and envision the final product. :bigthumb:
Yeah, I got a bit of a chuckle out of that. But when I think about it, I know deep down in my heart I will never do anything with it, besides throw it in my seacan and never look at it again. If
@Rich G. (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/rich-g_641) can use it, he can have it.
Giving away a $200 air cleaner is very generous :worship: :drinkingbud:....
However you might want to sell off the sought after original parts and put the money into the slush fund because the car you're going to build is going to get expensive fast. :alan2cents:
Well, I made my first major purchase for the car. Did some research and found out that a 6.4 hemi from a truck would be a great starting point for my 3rd Gen hemi in the Cuda. I will update this thread in case others are curious about doing the same sort of idea. The guy advising me, said that the only thing I will be using probably off this truck engine is the block, crankshaft, heads, and a few other odds and ends. The heads he said after CNC porting will easily flow enough to support my 800 hp target. I will post up some pics in the next few days. I'm pretty stoked to get this engine. Even though it may just sit in my shop for awhile.
I will believe it when I see it.
Hopefully this is enough proof. Motor with my Cuda in the background. And trust me I don't have that kind of photoshop skills.
I love your shop. Is a blower in the plans?
Thanks for the compliments on the shop. I try my best to keep it clean and the floor free from scratches. Anyways a whipple supercharger is on my list of items to buy. The guy who I bought thr 6.4 from was trying to give me the truck intake, air filter assembly etc. He could not even begin to understand why I did not want or take any of those extras. Lol.
Yea...some guys are really spoiled when it comes to home shops :'(
Quote from: ZEN357 on April 10, 2018, 04:42:26 AM
I will believe it when I see it.
Don't mind him! There is one in every bunch.
Sounds like a cool build.
Hey if you want give any more parts away, I'll take the 340 off your hands!!! :yes: :yes: :yes:
Just kidding, good on you for offer up parts to help some one else!
JAson
Quote from: ZEN357 on April 10, 2018, 04:42:26 AM
I will believe it when I see it.
When I first saw this post, I first thought I have finally become famous because I have my 1st hater on a forum. Then I thought maybe he just wants to see the motor which I just posted a picture of. Then my mind went to maybe he doesn't believe that I will keep updating. Or could it be he doesn't think I will finish the car by 2024! So many questions with one small statement! Haha.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on April 10, 2018, 01:41:04 PM
Quote from: ZEN357 on April 10, 2018, 04:42:26 AM
I will believe it when I see it.
When I first saw this post, I first thought I have finally become famous because I have my 1st hater on a forum. Then I thought maybe he just wants to see the motor which I just posted a picture of. Then my mind went to maybe he doesn't believe that I will keep updating. Or could it be he doesn't think I will finish the car by 2024! So many questions with one small statement! Haha.
Ya...who knows WHAT he's thinking! Wishing you the best of luck on your build...might be 2024 by the time mine is done too!
You guys are doing well: Right now it feels like it will be 2024 until I find a good Challenger to build but I know that can change overnight.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on April 10, 2018, 07:20:00 PM
You guys are doing well: Right now it feels like it will be 2024 until I find a good Challenger to build but I know that can change overnight.
It can FEEL like forever when looking for the right car. :headbang:
Starting to disassemble the 6.4 hemi. Things are finally starting to happen. Looks like previous owner of this engine did not take care of it. Not the end of the world I guess since I already planned on a full rebuild. Deciding if the stock crank from this truck engine will be sufficient. Or if a 426 stroker kit is what it needs. Heads will be off to be ported by Dec 1st. It's in the back of my truck because I took it to my friends place who is a very knowledgeable and experienced race engine builder. :ohyeah:
Very cool,
Look forward to seeing this progress.
Mike :tool:
:wrenching: Glad to see an update. Enjoyed that burn out you did and posted. I would play as much as you can before everything gets nice and you are less likely to want to :stayinlane:
The truck Hemi heads were a home run. Apparently I got the good heads with lots of extra material for porting and strength. CNC porting is done, bigger valves installed and the intake flows 440 cfm on the intake. Now I'm no engine building expert, but that seems like a lot of airflow. Ordered a 426 stroker rotating assembly with .010 over pistons. The truck block is now at the machine shop, and apparently is the good block with extra ribbing for strength re enforcement. My friend said there was two other 6.4 Hemi blocks at the shop and he could easily see the extra material on my block. I hope by April or June this engine will be on the dyno. I don't get excited about much in life. But this es getting exciting for me. Hehe.
Great that you ended up with the better block & heads :twothumbsup:
Camshaft is now ordered. I've got to figure out exactly what I need for the front of this engine. I think the way the accessories are from the truck engine that I have to get a front cover and accessories from a normal car 6.4L.
Stroker rotating assembly is in. Machine shop just got a torque plate for the 3rd gen Hemi. So some engine assembly will be started in the next month or two.
Things are getting closer.
I've got another big decision to make fairly soon. What kind of transmission I'm going to run. I guess we can't balance the engine without the flywheel or flexplate. Although a quick google search says that the Gen III flywheels and flexplates are neutral-balanced. Whatever that means.
Neutral balance means the engine is internally balanced & will not depend on the flex plate /converter or flywheel to balance the engine , this is the best way to go as you do not ever have to have a specific balance added outside of the engine itself .
Just curious where you are getting the machine work done. The brothers place in Red Deer? It looks really good. My guys always balanced the crank first and then added stuff and made sure it was all perfect as well. Theory being if you change a flexplate or whatever and the flexplate is neutral then the whole assembly should still be balanced perfectly.
Thanks for the clear and easy to understand description of neutral balancing. And I know the heads are in Red Deer for the CNC porting and new bigger valves etc. I will find out what machine shop it is, but I'm assuming it would be the brothers place if you have heard of it.
The rest of the engine work like balancing and boring of the block will be done at Jim's Engines in Prince George. Assembly of the engine by my friend who has taken charge of the build. Haha.
Oh yeah: I know all of those players.
ARLRACING is who did the CNC porting on my heads. I now have the whipple supercharger and a ton of other accessories. Got a really good deal on the supercharger and front cover, harmonic balancer, electric water pump, custom billet aluminum brackets, 12 groove pulleys etc. My friend was at a all Mopar swap meet and stumbled across this deal. Pretty pumped. First good deal so far on this build. Just thought I would throw in a picture of the rods and pistons from the stroker kit. And the block after coming back from the machine shop. And it's not going to stay that ugly grey.
I also contacted the guy who ported my heads. I think I said they flowed around 440 cfm. They are actually around 400 cfm. Also got a Holley HP ECU. :woohoo:
Step by Step , looking good !!
Looking really good. You are buying great parts so your end result will reflect that.
Whipple has shown up. My friend just set the heads and whipple on the block to have a look at what to see what things will look like. I like it..... but am seriously wondering if my hood will close. :looney:
Side shot. And yes my friend is a Chevy guy.
Looks good, I like the Whipples.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on March 31, 2019, 01:39:27 PM
Whipple has shown up. My friend just set the heads and whipple on the block to have a look at what to see what things will look like. I like it..... but am seriously wondering if my hood will close. :looney:
Cut off disk grinder will cure the hood issue for you. I may have missed it but do you have a ballpark estimate for what the motor should put out with that supercharger?
Hoping to have it on an engine stand Dyno by the fall. My goal is for around Hellcat/Demon power levels. I actually don't want to know how much power it can make. I have got way to much money invested in the motor to have it scattered across a dyno room. Hehe. I know myself and my personality, I will be a nervous wreck for weeks leading up to the day it finally makes it to the Dyno.
built properly it will not come apart on the dyno , I have never lost an engine on a dyno :bigthumb:
I was there for the break-in stand run and dyno runs of my motor.. Only nervous until it fired up, once I heard it I knew all was good in the world. :)
You'll be fine.. Looks like there is really good attention to detail on your build, so you are GTG.
My friend blew his BB Chevy motor on a dyno. Next day aired a crankshaft because he was going to a show in a week. That got expensive real quick! Better on a stand than in a car I guess.
Exactly: If it's going to blow it will blow anyway, better off to find out before it's mounted in the car.
I took a few more photos of the front cover of my engine. I thought it was cool that the guy machined in a pentastar into cover. Apparently the guy does lots of custom CNC work. This is just behind the electric water pump.
:unbelievable: :clapping:
Well that is cool , never seen another like it !!
The last few pieces to the motor are now in my possession. Engine assembly coming hopefully in the next few months. :banana:
Quite a unique build :clapping:
Tic tic tic...
:ohyeah:
6.4 Hemi painted and on the stand. Going to start cleaning and assembly in the next few days. :yes:
I've started the disassembly of the car for paint and body. I made two videos just for fun. YouTube and video editing is all very new to me. Even attaching a link is going to be a struggle I think.
Let's see what happens now!
And here is a link to what I have done so far. I actually have more done, this video is a almost 2 weeks old.
Car looks super solid...WOW :unbelievable: :twothumbsup:
Thanks Alan. I'm really enjoying the disassembly part of it so far. I've wanted to have a nice car my whole life. Feels like it's actually going to happen! With my job, I work less than 1/2 a year in total days. So really, I have no excuses to not get it done in the next few years. Biggest hangup is being from Canada and the shipping duties and exchange etc. I don't like spending money, but have very very expensive tastes and plans for my car! :Thud:
Starting with a solid car is half the battle....you should be done in not time :D
I hear you on the importing of the parts...it bleeds me to death...I would reach out to Sheldon, (member RUNCHARGER) he's in BC and might know some loop holes or ways of saving a bit of money when it comes to parts buying... :bigmoney: :twothumbsup:
Quote from: anlauto on November 27, 2020, 10:51:40 AM
Starting with a solid car is half the battle....you should be done in not time :D
I hear you on the importing of the parts...it bleeds me to death...I would reach out to Sheldon, (member RUNCHARGER) he's in BC and might know some loop holes or ways of saving a bit of money when it comes to parts buying... :bigmoney: :twothumbsup:
What's the issues with importing parts to Canada ? The cost or availability?
Just wondering since I've never been there or shipped out
Quote from: Purepony on November 27, 2020, 11:20:00 AM
Quote from: anlauto on November 27, 2020, 10:51:40 AM
Starting with a solid car is half the battle....you should be done in not time :D
I hear you on the importing of the parts...it bleeds me to death...I would reach out to Sheldon, (member RUNCHARGER) he's in BC and might know some loop holes or ways of saving a bit of money when it comes to parts buying... :bigmoney: :twothumbsup:
What's the issues with importing parts to Canada ? The cost or availability?
Just wondering since I've never been there or shipped out
The added cost of the exchange rate, the taxes etc...
Had a great day working on the car today. Even had a beer! Drivers side door almost stripped. Only thing left a the little square rubber stops. Also removed the heater unit. There sure are lots of bits and pieces to the doors.
Stripping down car today. Got passenger door stripped down glass removed. Also the rear 1/4 glass. Took off brake /clutch assembly. Removed windshield defrost venting. Then removed the fresh air intake on the drivers side. Looks like it makes a great place for mice to live. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201201/89605a1f42cf322091492b60c9e60210.jpg)
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Nice work. Just curious, are you going to have the car media blasted?
I fully plan on media blasting the car. I might even have it ready for the media blasting by the new year. I'm having a great time doing this.
The videos can only get better. It's kinda fun.
I might even bump my cars completion date to June of 2022. My Daughter's graduation. If I try for that date, it will be full speed ahead on everything in the new year.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on December 02, 2020, 09:10:39 PM
I fully plan on media blasting the car. I might even have it ready for the media blasting by the new year. I'm having a great time doing this.
Glad you are having fun. I have a 73 and loved your line on the bumper guards..."I hate them" :rofl:
Take pictures as you go becuase you have to put it back together.
I had my 73 media blasted and I am thankful I did as my car looked real solid like yours but the media blasting revealed a lot of issues that were thankfully fixed so I dont have to worry about them ever again. :bradsthumb:
Put my TTI headers in my car. 2" for the 3rd Gen Hemi! Parts are going to arriving in the next few months until I'm buried in parts! Cant wait.
An epic battle to get out the inner fender brace. But I won! This metal and body work is... interesting.
This is on the passenger side just above the shock tower. Have other seen a crack there? I'm going to clean it up as good as I can and weld it up unless something else should be done.
That is a stress area, obviously from the crack. I think I'd be looking to unobtrusively reinforce that area. Maybe it would be enough to run a thin cutoff wheel down the cracks and then stitch it back together. I guess it depends on the level of original restoration you are going for.
Yes. I have same stress cracking on mine. Been that way for 20 years. I am not hard on car and has not really grown.
I found that my inner brace was not welded properly from factory. Using "properly" as a nice way of saying factory completely missed welding it on that end.
Will weld all back up when I eventually paint it.
Now that you mentioned that, the spot welds on the bracket that go from the shock tower to the inner fender had failed. So on both sides of my car they were doing nothing. Drivers side missing, passenger side broken welds. I guess that's where all the cracking came from. Uscartool stage 2 kit and some new gussets should have it fixed up in no time!
So are you still planning on going with a custom colour ?
Yes. I am really leaning towards a dark metallic green. The kind that looks almost black in the right light. I'm struggling with deciding on keeping my stainless trim around the windows and not painting them black Also going with body color front and rear bumpers. And the black rims etc.
But I also see some pretty nice looking Cuda's out there with the chrome bumpers and nice shiny rims and trim that look awesome.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on April 18, 2021, 05:10:19 PM
Now that you mentioned that, the spot welds on the bracket that go from the shock tower to the inner fender had failed. So on both sides of my car they were doing nothing. Drivers side missing, passenger side broken welds. I guess that's where all the cracking came from. Uscartool stage 2 kit and some new gussets should have it fixed up in no time!
Yea when I paint mine, I really need to talk myself into adding their braces.
Got my full Tremec Magnum transmission, clutch etc. Everything needed from Silver Sport transmission. Very good to deal with.
Got my Dana 60. 3.73 gears, had it powder coated. It is built to early b-body specs of 59 5/16 inches wide on 44 inch spring perches for my Dr Diff 1" leaf spring relocation kit. A few other goodies. If anyone cares I can let you know what parts are in the diff/axles.
Also have my stage 2 USCartools stage 2 kit in my possession. So I guess it's off to the media blasters to get cleaned up and some primer so I can get after it! I'm starting to drown in parts piling up in the shop. Maybe I can get it done in a year. Who knows. I've also put in 3 massive orders at summit and Jegs. Most of the complete QA1 front suspension and shocks, k-member etc. Vintage air stuff. A bunch of Hotchkis parts. Radiator and fans. Leaf springs. Also a Holley wiring harness for the engine. Already got my headers from TTI. Just finalizing the rest of the exhaust system order from TTI and am also getting their motor mounts. Now that I have my rear differential, I can do some measurements and order some brakes. Lots going on in my world.
Nice orders there.
Yea probably time to make the piles shrink.
I had it built from a guy in Carstairs Alberta. Found him on Facebook.
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Did he ship it to you ? Do you mind me asking how much ?
$4425 was the total price. Plus around 150 to ship it to me.
This was one of the messages he sent me.
65-67 B is 59 5/16"
68-70 b is 60"
71-74B is 62 15/16
The most popular Mopar width I build is the 65-67 B dimension.
At your horse power level, I would recommend a cap upgrade. That is really the only upgrade there is for the housing, other than running 35 spline axles. 35 spline will hold your power, easily.
An upgrade to an Eaton tru track may be a good idea too.
So a housing built to 65-67 B(or something else if you like) with spring perches at 44", new crown and pinion(you choose the ratio), new clutch type sure grip, upgraded strange billet caps(300), forged 1350 or 7290 yoke kit, patterned/assembled, new 35 spline axles with green bearings, is 3700, plus 200 freight.
Upgrade to the tru trac adds 500.
No gst or pst applies, I'm not that big yet.
This would be ready to take whatever brake kit you want. I do not sell brakes, and the diff install goes much smoother if you put them on, with the diff mounted in the car.
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I also added around 300 or 350 for powder coating to his original quote.
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That's not unreasonable, although shipping from Alberta to here may be more $$$ Do you know if the "snout" of the center section has the mounting bosses for the factory pinion snubber, or is it just smooth....
Sorry for all the questions... ;)
No pinion snubber area on my particular Dana 60 housing. I wonder what issues that's going to cause. Haha
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Thanks for checking :twothumbsup:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210804/ad4f18fdb6acca1e4b4c69dcdea18df3.jpg)
My very first Amazon purchase for my car. Yukon Dana 60 diff cover. 216 Canadian with free shipping! First time I did not get murdered with shipping, duty, exchange, brokerage fees etc. haha
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Got some more bits and pieces in. Bunch of QA1 stuff like shocks, k-member, strut bars, lower control arms, an e-stop, and some Hotchkis upper control arms. Lots of parts packed into my wife's CRV!
Lower control arms look nice. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210807/8346150f93d271cc8fe572f66f7050d9.jpg)
Parts in the back are worth more then the whole CRV :haha: :haha:
I've been busy working on my car. Bodywork is almost done. USCARTOOLS stage 2 kit is in. Mocking up the motor. Moved the vintage air like the guru Alan G! Have tons of parts ready to go and start assembling. Built a temporary paint booth. Tons of stuff going on. I should be updating more on here. But I have been led astray by documenting everything on Instagram. Haha
Been waiting for this build. You are getting down and not screwing around. Love it.
Great update!
Por 15 inside the cowl. Spent like 3 hrs getting every crook and cranny I could reach and contort my hands into. This stuff does not come off! I don't think my wrist will rust anytime soon.
yup...sandpaper will get it off. That's what I did....but I wasn't as sloppy as you....... :rofl:
dodj, I really did try and stay clean. But I cut pretty much the whole handle off a 1" wide paintbrush. That way it was short enough to get everywhere. But yeah, I guess I'm a little messy.
Drilled and tapped and have some bolts cut off to be tack welded in permanently for the E-Stopp. I'll have to remember to put my torsion bar in first! Stuck to the USCartools subframe connector.
Got some color laid down on the Cuda. Endura on the underside, engine compartment, wheel wells, cab of car, inside of trunk etc. Base/clear coat for the rest of the car. This color looks amazing 🤩 in the natural sunlight. At least to me! I just realized that I only have video of the color of my car. I'll post some pictures of the color tomorrow. The iPhone pictures don't really do it justice anyway.
Here are a few pictures of the temporary paint booth I made. Worked pretty good actually. Haha. Bunch of furnace filters at one end, and a 42 inch fan blowing out the fumes through 3 dog tunnel tube gimmick things. I realize that most of my car documentation is all video. So this gives an idea of what I'm up to.
Nice for the paint!
Cool for the "gimmick" paint booth setup
Car is finally off the rotisserie and on some hot wheels.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on May 27, 2022, 04:45:43 PM
Drilled and tapped and have some bolts cut off to be tack welded in permanently for the E-Stopp. I'll have to remember to put my torsion bar in first! Stuck to the USCartools subframe connector.
I've never seen an electric e-brake like that. Besides not having the cable coming from the front is there any other significant advantage? I assume you just have a switch on the dash or console?
Probably a disadvantage. Haha. I just saw it on one of Alan G's builds and thought it was cool. Haha. And yeah, it will be just a push button e-brake.
Quote from: gzig5 on July 18, 2022, 02:38:25 PM
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on May 27, 2022, 04:45:43 PM
Drilled and tapped and have some bolts cut off to be tack welded in permanently for the E-Stopp. I'll have to remember to put my torsion bar in first! Stuck to the USCartools subframe connector.
I've never seen an electric e-brake like that. Besides not having the cable coming from the front is there any other significant advantage? I assume you just have a switch on the dash or console?
They advertise the "E-Stopp as also being a theft deterrent, but now that I have one, and have been using it....it's neat. the the 30 seconds or so for it to engage is a little bit of a nuisance :dunno:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220805/ba9f4fc70ef3f83a6a6d854639f494e8.jpg)
Made a temporary door for some glass bead blasting on my bumpers. Trying to rough up the chrome so paint will stick.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220805/0a3095ce5bcb2309bbb68e5a566124ef.jpg)
Some of the things I've been glass bead blasting.
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Inside of fenders are base coated and clear coated. Also under the hood, front and rear valances and also inside door jams. Getting close to final assembly for final paint.
Also got rid of my rear bumperettes or bumper guards for the 73 model year. Bought some bumper guards at a swap meet for 20 bucks. Spent like a day or so modifying the rear bumper brackets to bring the bumper in about an 1 3/4" x 3/4". I'm no chip foose, but I was really pumped with the way it turned out.
I'm really happy with my rear bumper. There are More adjustments available for my rear bumper. Don't want to fully commit until I see it with the rear valance on. It's still not completely done. I'm going to weld up the holes where the jack would go. Delete the carriage bolts to have a perfectly smooth bumper. Quite a bit of farting around, but it looks good so far IMHO
I don't take my pictures sideways. Don't know why they almost always go sideways on this site. Haha. Anyway, front fenders and door gaps are being set up. They are looking great! Door in the picture is about 1/8 high to compensate for when glass and all other door hardware is in.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on August 07, 2022, 08:22:30 PM
I'm really happy with my rear bumper. There are More adjustments available for my rear bumper. Don't want to fully commit until I see it with the rear valance on. It's still not completely done. I'm going to weld up the holes where the jack would go. Delete the carriage bolts to have a perfectly smooth bumper. Quite a bit of farting around, but it looks good so far IMHO
Pulling bumpers back in is one of the best mods for these later years. Soooo much cleaner looking.
Hood, front and rear valances are on.
My car is now painted and ready for assembly. :bradsthumb:
I have a ton more info/content on Instagram if anyone wants to check that out. @dadmod_73cuda
Reflection pic looks amazing! :clapping:
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on October 30, 2022, 04:12:09 PM
I have a ton more info/content on Instagram if anyone wants to check that out. @dadmod_73cuda
OK, John, ya got another follower.
Quote from: dodj on October 30, 2022, 05:10:53 PM
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on October 30, 2022, 04:12:09 PM
I have a ton more info/content on Instagram if anyone wants to check that out. @dadmod_73cuda
OK, John, ya got another follower.
Haha. Thanks. Just seems like there is way more interaction over on Instagram. I can't quite get into Facebook. And quite often unfortunately it seems like I'm posting to myself here. But I will continue to update here for sure!
Quote from: DeathProofCuda on October 30, 2022, 04:49:27 PM
Reflection pic looks amazing! :clapping:
Thanks! It's been a full year since I hauled it away to be media blasted. Not too bad I guess. It's only been polished. Apparently when I wax is when it will really have some shine to it. :banana:
Looks sweet, at first, I thought it was black, but in the sun ? What is it, dark green ?
Wow man, the paint looks awesome. I like the home made paint booth too. Looks like you have a lot of space in that shop. Cool.
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Quote from: anlauto on October 30, 2022, 06:49:27 PM
Looks sweet, at first, I thought it was black, but in the sun ? What is it, dark green ?
It's a GM color :o from around 2014 - 2017 they used on a few select vehicles. Regal Peacock Green is the color. I've always loved a real dark green color. This is pretty much black until the sun hits it.
Quote from: Mr Lee on October 30, 2022, 07:11:30 PM
Wow man, the paint looks awesome. I like the home made paint booth too. Looks like you have a lot of space in that shop. Cool.
Yeah. Shop is 32x60, but it does get a little filled up in here with my car blown apart and other vehicles in and out all the time for repairs. Paint booth will be coming down in the next few weeks, so that should open up over a 1/4 of my shop!
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Quote from: Swamp Donkey on October 30, 2022, 07:29:21 PM
Quote from: anlauto on October 30, 2022, 06:49:27 PM
Looks sweet, at first, I thought it was black, but in the sun ? What is it, dark green ?
It's a GM color :o from around 2014 - 2017 they used on a few select vehicles. Regal Peacock Green is the color. I've always loved a real dark green color. This is pretty much black until the sun hits it.
Looks AWESOME :drooling:
Yeah i like the color too. Green is good in my book. [emoji106]
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Nice work, it's looking great. Long winters up there, we expect it to be completed in spring!
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on October 31, 2022, 08:30:44 AM
Nice work, it's looking great. Long winters up there, we expect it to be completed in spring!
I have one of those countdown apps on my phone and I'm legit shooting for June 15th 2023. I'm down in the shop now! :wrenching:
I was at the Vernon Car show in July. Were you there???
Beautiful work there.
Solid color choice for sure.
Also stealing your paint booth idea.
Don't reply much but have been following the entire build.
Thanks! I will keep up with the updates! I'm currently learning to polish the scratches out of my original glass. Kinda fun.
Quote from: gzig5 on July 18, 2022, 02:38:25 PM
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on May 27, 2022, 04:45:43 PM
Drilled and tapped and have some bolts cut off to be tack welded in permanently for the E-Stopp. I'll have to remember to put my torsion bar in first! Stuck to the USCartools subframe connector.
I've never seen an electric e-brake like that. Besides not having the cable coming from the front is there any other significant advantage? I assume you just have a switch on the dash or console?
I put one in my car as well. Didn't like the 'clothes line' of a stock ebody ebrake cable. I used Lokar cables from brakes to actuator. Much neater look than stock. I put the button to operate it in the cigarette lighter spot. I don't smoke and I won't let anybody else smoke in my car so I figured it was a pretty good spot. Fit perfectly without having to open up the hole or anything.
Checked initial date, and glanced through posts, is the 7 year plan still on-track to finish 2024?
Some sound deadening material in. 2 boxes of Kilmat that in total covers 72 square feet. 36 per box. Just ordered another box and a half for the doors, roof and trunk. Mounting battery in trunk and driving myself insane measuring for max rear tire width!
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on February 08, 2023, 09:16:36 PM
Mounting battery in trunk and driving myself insane measuring for max rear tire width!
I have 315 Nitto NT05's in my stock wheel wells but using an offset spring hanger setup from DrDiff.
Don't think you can get anymore without surgery.
Yeah. I'm planning on an 11" rim and 305 tires. I should be good I think. Because I had my inner fenders trimmed a bit while bodywork was being done.
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on February 09, 2023, 06:01:38 AM
Yeah. I'm planning on an 11" rim and 305 tires. I should be good I think. Because I had my inner fenders trimmed a bit while bodywork was being done.
Have you shown that inner fender work, or could you provide a little detail as to where you concentrated effort? I'm going for similar tire size target, and was under the impression that the inner fender well area was sufficient, but that I'd likely need to roll the fender lip. Is that where your trimming was or did you create space elsewhere?
Thought this build looked familiar...from I/G :bigthumb:
I just installed some sound deadener as well.
Quote from: Wayne on February 17, 2023, 04:59:49 PM
Thought this build looked familiar...from I/G :bigthumb:
I just installed some sound deadener as well.
Swamp donkey here Dadmod over there! Haha :haha:
Keep chugging, I just got my car running after 15 months of project (engine & transmission swap).
No where near as nice as your project, but that first drive made it all worth it.
Motor break-in on the dyno. 615.9 HP with a carburetor. Another 30-50 HP is there if I would have been able to run my fuel injection system. Needed a 3 bar MAP sensor, a different O2 sensor and I didn't have two capacitors. Anyway I'm pleased with the results so far. I have a D1SC procharger ready to go for a little more zip!
Nice, what's the new ETA for completion?
Quote from: Katfish on March 18, 2024, 04:43:51 PMNice, what's the new ETA for completion?
I'm not too sure. I legitimately have just about every single part to finish the car. I just have to get crackin and get it done. Might be next summer realistically.
What engine is that?
Quote from: Swamp Donkey on March 18, 2024, 11:06:24 AMMotor break-in on the dyno. 615.9 HP with a carburetor. Another 30-50 HP is there if I would have been able to run my fuel injection system. Needed a 3 bar MAP sensor, a different O2 sensor and I didn't have two capacitors. Anyway I'm pleased with the results so far. I have a D1SC procharger ready to go for a little more zip!
Ya....615 hp is a little weak....lol....better zip it up a bit.. :burnout:
Quote from: blown motor on March 20, 2024, 07:20:45 AMWhat engine is that?
G3 Hemi. Originally a 392 Hemi out of a truck. Stroked to a 426. CNC ported heads, a big ole cam. Lots of other goodies.
Quote from: dodj on March 20, 2024, 06:05:02 PMQuote from: Swamp Donkey on March 18, 2024, 11:06:24 AMMotor break-in on the dyno. 615.9 HP with a carburetor. Another 30-50 HP is there if I would have been able to run my fuel injection system. Needed a 3 bar MAP sensor, a different O2 sensor and I didn't have two capacitors. Anyway I'm pleased with the results so far. I have a D1SC procharger ready to go for a little more zip!
Ya....615 hp is a little weak....lol....better zip it up a bit.. :burnout:
Quote from: dodj on March 20, 2024, 06:05:02 PMQuote from: Swamp Donkey on March 18, 2024, 11:06:24 AMMotor break-in on the dyno. 615.9 HP with a carburetor. Another 30-50 HP is there if I would have been able to run my fuel injection system. Needed a 3 bar MAP sensor, a different O2 sensor and I didn't have two capacitors. Anyway I'm pleased with the results so far. I have a D1SC procharger ready to go for a little more zip!
Ya....615 hp is a little weak....lol....better zip it up a bit.. :burnout:
Yeah. I'll dig a few more hp out of it I hope! Haha
I remember following this post a few years ago and so I'm glad I was able to find it again today.
That's a lot of horsepower and it sounds like a lot of fun.... please be careful